Commonwheel Artists Co-op

ESTABLISHED 1974

Artist Statement:
My personal objective is to show the beauty of Mother Nature in all her various creations. Concentrating on landscape photography I hope to promote education in working with the land, not against it. That includes preserving open and sacred spaces, and in others, only taking what we will replace.

There is a difference between showing up at a location and photographing nature by literally recording the moment, and photographing nature as an artist feels it should be viewed, or how it would be viewed best - under the best light, weather, lens, and with an artistic interpretation that defines what "best" IS, depending on the scene. There is a difference between these two methods, though that is not to say one is better than another. But, there is a distinct time and place for both. Some of my work is done on digital, 35mm or 2 1/4 film. However 4x5 film is my preferred format for not only a higher reproduction quality, but also because I am in love with the process of 4x5. A large format camera forces me to slow down and think more. In order to carry the weight and all the 4x5 accessories into the woods and up the mountain, not to mention carry the expense of film and Polaroid, you have to be committed to the process and to the shot.

As an artist I feel it imperative to produce work which not only adheres to my standards of technical quality, but also my creative integrity. The process I have chosen satisfies these needs.

I reside in Colorado Springs, where I also spent much of my childhood.

Education & Professional Experience:
I received my Bachelor degree in 1996, with a double major of theatre and art, from Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI. My additional studies in photography, 1996-1997, were at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI. Since moving back to Colorado Springs in 1998, I spent four and a half years in a commercial photography studio. I am currently a self employed landscape and commercial photographer, and am Faculty & Photography Chair of Pikes Peak Community College.

Shows:
My work can often be seen around town at Salsa Brava in Briargate (permaent display). Past shows have included local Starbucks locations, Barnes & Noble, Commonwheel Artist Co-op "Corpus et Natura" with Arlene Wood and Perry Tyler, Pikes Peak Community College Annual Faculty Show, Sencha Restaurant, The Smokebrush one-woman show, The Colorado Springs Airport, The OH Expo, Territory Days, and the Commonwheel Arts and Crafts Festival. Work is also exhibited in other galleries and art fairs throughout the state.

Visit Judith's Website at : www.mothernaturephotography.com

JUDITH KIMBRELL